Ben and I drove over from out hotel. When we walked through the front door it was chilly - the air conditioning was definitely on full force. My mom has done a couple of stints in nursing homes and air conditions were always an issue. As an MS patient, she needed the room to be kept at a low temperature, which was sometimes an issue if she shared a room with someone who did not have MS. I can also recall that she always enjoyed wearing shorts in the winter time - and still does. Anyway, all the clients of this center have MS, so the cool climate needs are universal.
Ben and I walked to the back of the center where the staff and MS clients waited outside for our team to roll in on their bikes. Given that it was a warm day, I can appreciate that it was somewhat uncomfortable to be outside for even 30 minutes.
I spoke to some folks while we were waiting and it was clear that this was an event that they looked forward to.
Our team rode in wearing matching shirts and were greeted with loud cheers from the crowd. We then moved down a receiving line to meet staff and clients and were shown to an amazing urban garden. There were goldfish and a fountain and colorful paintings and lovely plants. Wooden beams hung overhead to supply shade and a comfortable environment. We learned that horticulture therapy was part of the regimen for the clients of the center.
We mingled with staff and clients and went inside to have lunch together. As we ate in the art room, we learned that art was also part of the wholistic program that was offered by the center.
After lunch, we watched a film about the center and learned that cognitive therapy, physical therapy, and support groups were offered in addition to gardening, art. It was clear that clients and staff were very engaged in this vibrant community. I really liked the idea that they stimulated each client fully through different activities.
As we all sat together, three of the clients read thank you notes that their groups had written to us. They spoke about how much they appreciated our efforts and that we were a voice for the...how they were inspired by our hard work and long rides...and how much they wished us luck and would continue to follow our progress. In between the emotional parts, there were also moments of humor - lots of characters in this crew.
There was also a song sung by a trio - one of the clients, his wife and a staff member, which was very touching and really focused projecting a positive attitude regardless of circumstance.
After the song, we broke out into two groups and went around telling where we were from and why we were riding.
The emotion of the day really touched me. As we sat in a circle, Ben went before me and spoke about the fact that he was here to support my efforts.
It was then my turn. 'My name is Michelle and I am from Raleigh, NC. My nickname is Michelbows as I used to play basketball and I have a michelbows license plate on my bike. I am riding for my mom, who has had MS for 30 years. This place is amazing and thank you so much for giving us such a warm welcome'
I welled up about half way through. Even though my statements were simple, it is hard for me to talk about emotionally charged things in a group setting. I especially wanted to ensure that the focus was on the clients and the positivity of the day and not on any sadness I have about my mom.
As we continued around the circle, we heard from other cyclists and clients and staff members. There were many folks who had been coming to the center for more than 10 years.
After the circle concluded, we wrapped up by presenting a check for $20,000 to the center. I was so proud at that moment. I hope that someday there will be a cure for MS, but in the meantime, I hope that centers like this are funded to help patients and families to navigate MS is a wholistic and positive way.
After saying our goodbyes, Ben and I left the event emotionally spent. We headed to the bike shop to take care of my halfway point list : replace tires, chain, pedals, new chamois, new gloves, raise handlebars, add a bike computer, re-wrap handlebars.
We then headed to the dorms where I would stay with the team that night, it was hard to say good bye to Ben - especially since the next tine I will see him is Aug 4 in Seattle. I was so glad that he got to experience this part of the trip with me as there was so much more to the weekend that I am able to put into words.
After Ben dropped me off and headed to the airport...I was hungry!
I met up with Bethany who was on a mission to go to Matt's Bar and order a 'Juicy Lucy' - which is the Minneapolis answer to a Philly cheese steak. Bethany is great for food adventures and is always in if cheese or avocados are involved. The 'Juicy Lucy' is a cheese infused burger and Matt's Bar is known to have the best. So we joined up with Rob, Richard and Kristen and used the Uber app order a ride from a local driver (go collaborative consumption!).
We liked our burgers so much that we ordered a second round...ahhhh, the joys of burning a zillion calories each day on our bikes...
The burgers, beer and company was great- and I cannot wait until über arrives in Raleigh! As we waited for our über ride to pick us up at the bar and bring us back to the dorms, an Oscar Mayer Weiner-mobile pulled up to our corner. Sadly, this was not our uber ride!!!
I slept soundly that night - what an action-packed 3 days in the twin cities!!
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